Cardiac Conditions

Stenting and bypass surgeries have revolutionized cardiac care over the last few decades, particularly for patients with acute conditions, such as heart attack or chest pains. But, there have been no real options for further therapy, until now. Stem cell therapy offers the opportunity to reverse and repair damage in the cardiac space for the very first time.

While surgical solutions alter the mechanics and large blood vessels of the heart, stem cell therapy goes further by regenerating the heart’s microvasculature. These numerous small vessels can also become compromised, but not surgically improved. Microvascular repair is critical to helping the heart remodel and develop collateral vessels. The result is improved blood flow, greater support for heart function, and more complete healing.

Key Patient Benefits:

Stimulates angiogenesis, or the growth of new blood vessels, which leads to improved blood flow in the heart

Provides an anti-inflammatory effect, which aids in healing

Reduces the size of the infarct, or scar tissue, that forms on the heart after a heart attack

For an overview of how stem cell therapy can help with cardiac conditions, watch the video below:

For a more detailed understanding of what to expect, watch the video series below with Gretchen Dezelick, RN and Director of Clinical Operations.

The Procedure

At Okyanos, we treat patients with cardiac conditions using stromal vascular fraction (SVF), which comes from the body’s own adipose (fat) tissue. Through a specialized, enzymatic process, SVF is released from the fat tissue, providing a rich, more active mixture of stem cells. A general overview of the procedure is as follows:

The unique blend of stem and regenerative cells that exist in adipose tissue are isolated and prepared for delivery using a proprietary, closed, sterile, fully automated, cell processing system. In about 65 minutes, the highly potent SVF is ready for direct injections and IV infusions.

The SVF/stem cells are administered via cardiac catheter up into the right, low pressure side of the heart. We infuse through the coronary sinus, the main vein of the heart, for 10 minutes. The total procedure time is 30 minutes.

The Best Care & Safety

Treatment timeframes are usually three days and might vary depending on the personalized plan:

Day 1: Pre-operative session includes an office visit with the medical staff for a detailed review of the patient’s treatment plan and an opportunity to discuss any questions from the patient and family members.

Day 2: The patient undergoes treatment and briefly rests in our comfortable facility before being escorted back to the hotel for the evening.

Day 3: Post-operative session involves a brief physical at Okyanos and a discharge plan discussion. The physician reviews the post treatment recommendations and communication plan, and clears the patient to go home.